A Note from Dr. Whipple
January 2, 2024
Midterm Schedule & Information - 2024
The midterm schedule for 2024 has been released! January 23-26 the high school will be administering midterms and Regents exams. Students will only report on the days and times for their exams. Classes will not be in session. Review the schedule to see when your midterms take place.
- The regular bus pickup times will continue each morning. Students that have an AM exam can ride their normal bus to school on those days. Students do not need to sign up for the regular morning bus run.
- Transportation to school for a PM exam will be between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. Students must sign up for this bus in the Main Office prior to the exam date to get an 11:00–11:30 a.m. pick up time.
- For students that attend Wayne Technical and Career Center classes in the PM, the bus will leave from the High School at 11:40 a.m. If you need a bus to bring you to the HS, sign up in the Main Office for an 11:00-11:30 a.m. bus run.
- Bus departures for home will be at 10:30 a.m., 2:25 p.m., and 3:05 p.m. during exam days.
Food Service:
- Students will need to sign up in the Main Office to receive lunch during exams. The cafeteria will serve lunches only to those who have exams all day and have made reservations.
Secure Exam Site:
- During Regents testing the school building will be considered a secure exam site per guidance from NYS. Only students scheduled to take an exam or attend a review course will be permitted to enter the building. Backpacks, cell phones, and all other electronic equipment cannot be beyond the front foyer of the building. A staff member will have students label and store their property in the foyer.
- Beverages in plastic containers must not have labels in exam rooms.
- Students should arrive ten minutes before their exam time and have all of their supplies with them – they will not be permitted to go to their lockers. Students are encouraged to use the restroom before taking their exam. Only students with an emergency can leave the exam room to use the restroom. A proctor must escort students to and from the bathroom in case of an emergency.
Students must stay in the exam room for a minimum of two hours.
Once students finish their exam and meet the two-hour requirement, they must leave the building. Students who have an exam later in the day and wish to remain in the building must report to the cafeteria and remain there until the start of that exam.
#GanandaPROUD
Check out these pictures from National Honor Society's new Bigs and Littles program with the 3rd grade. Kudos to Addie York for spear heading this effort and thank you Ms. Jean and Ms. Koehler for facilitating!
Great performances at the Holiday Classics Vocal Music Concert before break! Thank you Mr. Farnsworth for organizing.
Congrats to our December Students of the Month. Keep up the great work Chloe, Kayli, Kelsey, Anthony, and Mackenzie!
Gananda Rotary Citizen of the Month Nomination
Gananda Rotary is interested in continuing to participate in our student of the month program by honoring a student who has demonstrated service in school or the community. If you would like to nominate a student, you may do so by completing this form.
SUNY Geneseo- Free Application until 1/5!
Seniors! Anyone interested in still applying to SUNY Geneseo that hasn't yet can submit a free application by January 5th! See details below!
Gananda Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Information Night - 1/17
On January 17 at 7pm in the HS Library, Gananda Dollars for Scholars will be hosting an info session for parents and students to learn how to create their online profile and learn how to apply for scholarships through their organization.
UFCW One Scholarship
For any students that work at Tops, you might be eligible for the UFCW One Scholarship! Currently, members actively working for a Local One participating employer (Tops is one!), their dependents and their grandchildren are eligible. Visit this website to see the application and instructions. https://ufcwone.org/college-scholarships/
Let the Counseling Office know if you need assistance! :)
Concessions Volunteers Needed!
Sports Boosters is looking for students to help with concessions during home JV and varsity sporting events. It is a great way to earn the volunteer hours you need. If you are interested in signing up to help, please email sportsbooster@gananda.org.
Panther Paw Submission Form for our Seniors!
Seniors! As we progress into the academic year, don't forget to please complete a Panther Paw Submission Form when you have been accepted into a college/trade school/military branch/apprenticeship program. We will hang a Panther Paw on the #GanandaGoals wall as you enter the building to celebrate your accomplishment!
Tutoring Services by National Honor Society
National Honor Society students are now offering tutoring help for any high school students looking for help in science and/or writing. We will be offering tutoring both during advisement and after school on certain days.
All tutoring will be held in room 131. Students can use this Google form to sign up. It is not necessary to sign up, but it will help to ensure we have the right students and enough students available to help.
Laptop Care
We've had some more laptop repairs, specifically cracked screens, than at this point last school year. Please help remind your student(s) of good laptop care. We still have some padded backpacks left over for the taking. Thanks for your attention and help on this!
Exploring Program
EXPLORING provides exciting activities and one-on-one mentorship for high school aged students to discover their future by having them “try a career on for size!”
Young people ages 14-20 can explore their career interests in a hands-on real-world environment with professionals in that field. There are Explorer Posts for areas in
- advanced manufacturing
- aviation
- cosmetology
- culinary
- engineering
- firematics/EMS
- health care
- law enforcement/legal
- military
- skilled trades
- sports management
- veterinary, and many more!
Mrs. Marang is our EXPLORERS contact and can help you research options and complete an application! Find out about upcoming Open Houses and events this Fall HERE.
The New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) Application
The New York State TAP Application will open on November 1, 2023, for the 2024-25 academic year. Students do not need to wait for the FAFSA release in December to apply for TAP. Students who will be attending college in the Fall of 2024 can jumpstart the NYS financial aid process by visiting www.hesc.ny.gov/pay-for-college/apply-for-financial-aid/nys-tap.html for more information or on November 1 to complete the application.
Yearbook Photo Submissions Welcome!
Student ID Scanning on Buses
Please remind your student that they need to have their ID card with them to scan when boarding the school bus. This is for safety reasons by helping to ensure people are on the correct bus and so that in case of an emergency we have an accurate account of who is present.
In addition to their ID card, students may obtain a barcode on their phone to use for scanning. Instructions on how to obtain the code are posted on each bus or can be found here.
Reporting Absences & Extended Student Absences Work Request
Absences need to be reported to the school health office by the parent/guardian of the student. This may be done so online by completing this form.
If your student will miss an extended period of time during the school year, please make sure they complete this Extended Student Absences Work Request form. This form should be completed a minimum of 2 weeks in advance if it is a planned absence. Students who have an excused absence will have one day for each day absent to make up work. Students who have an unexcused absence will have no additional time to complete work. Please note that family vacations are considered unexcused absences.
Senior Trip Info
See below for Senior Trip info. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mrs. Zebulske or Mrs. Chevier.
HELP WANTED!
Substitute Teachers - We are always looking for people to help cover teachers when they are out. This can be a great opportunity for someone trying to break into the field of education. If you or someone you know might be interested please apply here.
Dollars for Scholars is looking for volunteers to help support this great scholarship program available to our students. If you are interested in helping them out, please contact them at gdfscholars@gananda.org.
Winter Weather Reminder: School Closing Policy
Please read the attached letter from Dr. Van Scoy to understand the decision process for potential snow days and weather-related delays for Gananda Central School District.
Important Upcoming Dates
1/15 - MLK Day (no school)
1/17, 7-8pm, HS Library - Dollars for Scholars Scholarship Information Meeting
1/23-1/26 - January Regents/Midterm Week
- 1/26 - End of Marking Period 2
1/29 - Beginning of Marking Period 3
2/2 - Report Cards Published
Respectfully,
Dr. Christopher J. Whipple
Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154
Ms. Mairi Greibus
Assistant Principal
(315) 986-3521 ext. 3154